“Indigenous peoples represent only 5% of the world’s population, but care for an estimated 22% of the Earth’s surface and protect nearly 80% of remaining biodiversity on the planet.”

Dr. Mark J. Plotkin and Liliana Madrigal, both dedicated conservationists and veterans of large environmental organizations, founded the Amazon Conservation Team (ACT) in 1996.

From its beginning, ACT veered from the well-worn paths of the conservation community. Mark and Liliana knew that forest-dwelling indigenous and local communities were the best protectors of their territories, and that — by working in true partnership — they could together achieve impressive and sustainable conservation results.

ACT partners with indigenous and other local communities to protect tropical forests and strengthen traditional culture. They envision a future where healthy lands and thriving local communities exist in a harmonious relationship — contributing to the overall well-being of the planet.

“The Amazon sequesters about a quarter of the 2.4 billion metric tons of carbon that global forests absorb each year, roughly equivalent to the carbon emissions associated with increasing the number of passenger cars on the planet by a third, making it a critical buffer against climate change.”

Symbiome donates 1% of all sales to The Amazon Conservation Team.